'AI' Is Not a Tool by Rich Hickey
Software expert Rich Hickey argues that Large Language Models should be classified as automation rather than tools. He contends that true tools require human expertise, sensory feedback, and continuous direction, whereas LLMs function by abdicating the creative process.
Why it matters
This perspective challenges the prevailing industry narrative regarding the role of AI in software development and human productivity.
All text that follows is from Rich Hickey via https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-tool-rich-hickey-kjl8e
(I keep delivering this as a quip, here's a bit more)
First order of business - is ' tool ' going to have an interesting, distinguishing and thus illuminative meaning or be a mere platitudinous stand-in for "anything useful"?
We'll save tool as "anyone/thing that can be exploited" for the AI titans, for whom VCs, politicians, wannabe-titan-CEOs, software devs, rural towns etc are all 'tools'. The pockets on the front of my shirts are useful (I need to keep my reading glasses handy), but they are not tools. Similarly, fast food drive-thru windows are useful, but are not tools (more later).
What I like best - A tool is something you wield .
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